A number of government agencies have joined forces to host Tourism Festival 2017 in Rupakot, Khotang in a bid to promote tourism in the district. The celebration starts on Friday coinciding with New Year’s Day of Bikram Sambat.

According to Jayaprasad Rai, chief coordinator of the festival, the event is being held with the aim of promoting religious and natural tourism in the region. The festival will showcase varieties of local cuisines and attires. 

Historical artefacts related to Khotang district will also be displayed. Visitors to the event will get to have a thorough understanding and appreciation of Rupakot’s religious and natural wealth, according to the organizers. Likewise, activities to preserve water resources in nearby villages will be carried out as part of the festival’s programme. Politicians, social workers, tourism entrepreneurs, government officials, historians and artists, among others, are expected to attend the festival.

“We expect this event to be a big success in promoting tourism in the district,” said Rai. Considering that Rupakot is naturally rich and religiously important, Rai expects pilgrims and tourists to visit in large numbers during and after the festival.

Rupakot district is a popular tourist site and sightseeing in the forests is its main attraction. Beautiful hilly landscapes, diverse flora and fauna and herbal plants draw tourists to the place. Rupakot also offers clear views of beautiful mountains including Everest.

“This area offers mesmerizing views of the mountain range,” said Anil Kirati, an officer at the local municipality. 

Rupakot is also famous as a religious destination. It is the site of the cave in which a famous sage named Siddha Baba is said to have lived. The residents hold sacred ceremonies frequently near the cave where people come to pray for prosperity and good health. 

Visiting Siddha Baba’s cave is believed to bring happiness to families, good harvests and overall peace. Rupakot is also famous for religious herbs.

The event is being hosted jointly by the District Forest Office, Khotang Majhuwagadhi Municipality and District Agriculture Development Office.